Spring Forward with Eco-Chic Flair

Sometimes we simply take things for granted. It’s so easy to just go about your merry old way trotting through life, not truly seeing or appreciating how we’re taken care of. Do you know what I mean? We just don’t pay attention to the details. I get it; the details can be hard to understand or seem boring on the surface, but it’s truly the minutia that make our lives so great.

We really rely on some of the dirtiest jobs to make our days rosy. You take the garbage to the curb and forget it. You drop off the recyclables at the plant with barely a thought, and you flush the toilet oblivious as to how it’s dealt with down the road.

I think it’s safe to say that we can’t appreciate the magnitude of the modern conveniences that make our world — our environment — much better. Technology, science and education are continuing to build better ways to reuse, conserve and deal with the ugliness that most of us just pretend doesn’t exist.

It really is time to take a stand. Stand up for the environment. As Tonia Olson, our cover woman, says, you don’t have to be fanatical, but there are practical ways to help our world that we can do. Just start with one thing, and then add as you go. I learned so much during my conversation with our friend from Granger. I look forward to sharing it with you.

Granger is doing so many great things for the environment, like taking landfill gases and turning it into energy for our community. And that’s just the beginning. I have a new appreciation for all that happens after I say goodbye to my waste. There’s lots of this kind of under-the-radar work for the environment going on in Greater Lansing, like the CSO Control Program, which is diverting sewage from our rivers. Making sure we do our part is everyone’s responsibility.

I also feel responsible for reminding you of all the wonderful things going on in our community. The East Lansing girls basketball team took the state championship with Miss Basketball, Klarissa Bell, at the helm. I want to send huge congratulations out to them. We at CAWLM are so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished. Way to represent Mid-Michigan, ladies.

We’re gearing up in Greater Lansing for some big fun this summer. Not only will we be having the Capital Area Women’s Golf Day at Forest Akers presented by CAWLM on May 15, but also you might want to rest up, because the weekend of June 4 is going to be crazy. First you have the Board of Water and Light’s Chili Cookoff, Be a Tourist in Your Own Town, the Over the Edge event at Boji Tower and the Sparrow Children’s Center Giveathon.

The Giveathon is the combination of radiothon and telethon put on through Mid-Michigan Radio Group and WILX Media, respectively. It has been a tradition in this town. It is going to be extra special this year as they raise funds for the amazing work done to support the Sparrow Children’s Center. They are going to have entertainment on Saturday intermingled with the stories that serve as vivid illustrations on why we support such a worthwhile cause. I hope you watch the event unfold and are moved to make a donation.

Whatever you have going on this month, make it matter. Do it with all you’ve got. As part of my New Year’s resolution “do something new each month” plan, I’ll be learning to change a tire this month. I hope I’ll never have to do it on my own, but I’m really happy that I’ll know what to do if the occasion ever arises.

I want to challenge you to do something new. Hey, if it helps the environment, even better! You could even start your own worm composting in your own home, like Olson. Well, you could. Make sure you read our cover story to learn more. Or, you could turn your thermostat down two degrees — whichever works for you. I’ve heard that having a worm composting station makes a great conversation piece at dinner.

Can you believe how fast this year is flying by? Make May magnificent and eco-chic!

Tiffany Dowling

Tiffany Dowling is the Founder and President of M3 Group, a full-service branding agency located in downtown Lansing, Mich. She is also owner and publisher of Capital Area Women’s LifeStyle Magazine and the Greater Lansing Business Monthly. Dowling has helped businesses and organizations with branding needs for more than a decade. Learn more at www.m3group.biz.